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Bottomless Geo

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Shetland

Scotland

Bottomless Geo

The Loch that Ebbs and Flows The interior of Papa Stour is mainly moorland, though there are several lochans in the central part. This one's curious name reflects its closeness to the sea, from which it is cut off only by an ayre or shingle spit.
The Loch that Ebbs and Flows Credit: Anne Burgess

Bottomless Geo is a prominent coastal feature located in the Shetland Islands, an archipelago in the North Atlantic Ocean, northeast of mainland Scotland. It is classified as a headland or point due to its distinctive geographical characteristics.

Situated on the southwestern coast of Shetland, Bottomless Geo is known for its steep cliffs that tower above the turbulent waters of the North Atlantic. The name "Bottomless Geo" is derived from the perception that the water in the narrow inlet is exceptionally deep, although its actual depth remains unknown. This name adds an air of mystery and intrigue to the site, attracting curious visitors and locals alike.

The cliffs surrounding Bottomless Geo are composed of rugged, weathered rocks, creating a dramatic and picturesque landscape. The relentless pounding of the waves against the cliffs has carved unique features into the rock formations, including caves and arches. These geological structures are not only visually stunning but also provide habitats for a variety of marine life such as seabirds, seals, and other coastal species.

The area surrounding Bottomless Geo is also of historical significance. The Shetland Islands have a rich Norse heritage, and it is believed that the Vikings used the sheltered inlet as a landing spot during their voyages. Today, remnants of Viking settlements and artifacts can still be found in the vicinity, adding an additional layer of historical interest to the site.

Overall, Bottomless Geo is a captivating and awe-inspiring coastal feature in the Shetland Islands. Its towering cliffs, unique geological formations, and historical significance make it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts, photographers, and history buffs alike.

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Bottomless Geo Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.341697/-1.671962 or Grid Reference HU1862. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

The Loch that Ebbs and Flows The interior of Papa Stour is mainly moorland, though there are several lochans in the central part. This one's curious name reflects its closeness to the sea, from which it is cut off only by an ayre or shingle spit.
The Loch that Ebbs and Flows
The interior of Papa Stour is mainly moorland, though there are several lochans in the central part. This one's curious name reflects its closeness to the sea, from which it is cut off only by an ayre or shingle spit.
Hurdibrack The last stretch of the footpath back from the west side of the island. In the middle distance is the wall which crosses the entire island, separating the arable land in the east from the pasture to the west.
Hurdibrack
The last stretch of the footpath back from the west side of the island. In the middle distance is the wall which crosses the entire island, separating the arable land in the east from the pasture to the west.
The Wall This is the wall which cuts across the whole island. The west side (left) has a steep face to prevent animals climbing over it. The east (right) side has a sloping face so that any animals which have managed to cross it can easily be driven back on to the pasture land.
The Wall
This is the wall which cuts across the whole island. The west side (left) has a steep face to prevent animals climbing over it. The east (right) side has a sloping face so that any animals which have managed to cross it can easily be driven back on to the pasture land.
Robie's Noust This is a very dull shot of a square which would certainly have yielded a more interesting image if we had had time to explore it before the ferry left.
Robie's Noust
This is a very dull shot of a square which would certainly have yielded a more interesting image if we had had time to explore it before the ferry left.
The Dales As with the next-door square, HU1861 would certainly have yielded a more interesting shot if we had not had to rush to catch the ferry!
The Dales
As with the next-door square, HU1861 would certainly have yielded a more interesting shot if we had not had to rush to catch the ferry!
Papa Stour Pier and Ferry The ferry runs regularly but infrequently, so that day trips to the island are only possible on Fridays or Saturdays.
Papa Stour Pier and Ferry
The ferry runs regularly but infrequently, so that day trips to the island are only possible on Fridays or Saturdays.
Ruined House
Ruined House
Ruined house The number of ruined buildings on the island seem to far outnumber those still habitable or used.
Ruined house
The number of ruined buildings on the island seem to far outnumber those still habitable or used.
Road and ruins This is the main road for the island. Even this close to the pier the ruins of abandoned crofts can be found just off the road.
Road and ruins
This is the main road for the island. Even this close to the pier the ruins of abandoned crofts can be found just off the road.
View towards Papa Stour Airstrip The cleared and smoothed ground in the upper right of the image is the airstrip for Papa Stour which is located in <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/gridref/HU1759">HU1759</a>.
View towards Papa Stour Airstrip
The cleared and smoothed ground in the upper right of the image is the airstrip for Papa Stour which is located in HU1759.
Rocky coastline
Rocky coastline
View from North Ness The view here is from North Ness towards the highest point on the island. The ground shown in the foreground is typical of this rather barren area.
View from North Ness
The view here is from North Ness towards the highest point on the island. The ground shown in the foreground is typical of this rather barren area.
The "New" Pier The image here is taken from the old pier looking towards the new pier. The line of rusting fenceposts serves no useful purpose. The rocks along the shoreline are very popular with young seals - although they proved to be somewhat camera-shy.
The "New" Pier
The image here is taken from the old pier looking towards the new pier. The line of rusting fenceposts serves no useful purpose. The rocks along the shoreline are very popular with young seals - although they proved to be somewhat camera-shy.
A puzzling wall The purpose of this isolated section of wall is far from clear: you might think that perhaps it was in place to stop sheep wandering down onto the rocks beyond, but it would seem to be easy enough for them to walk around the wall.
A puzzling wall
The purpose of this isolated section of wall is far from clear: you might think that perhaps it was in place to stop sheep wandering down onto the rocks beyond, but it would seem to be easy enough for them to walk around the wall.
Ruined homestead
Ruined homestead
Oystercatcher nest with eggs This nest was located in the pebbles at the high-point of the beach. The eggs are camouflaged to be hard to see amongst the pebbles - although thankfully these were just noticeable enough to escape being trodden on. The oystercatchers seem to be surviving relatively well on the island, whilst the previously abundant tern population has been largely destroyed by the skuas.
Oystercatcher nest with eggs
This nest was located in the pebbles at the high-point of the beach. The eggs are camouflaged to be hard to see amongst the pebbles - although thankfully these were just noticeable enough to escape being trodden on. The oystercatchers seem to be surviving relatively well on the island, whilst the previously abundant tern population has been largely destroyed by the skuas.
Natural Arch by Sholma Wick The map marks this as a Natural Arch - one of many arches, subterranean passages or caves to be found on the island.
Natural Arch by Sholma Wick
The map marks this as a Natural Arch - one of many arches, subterranean passages or caves to be found on the island.
Ruined mill complete with stream This side of the island has many disused mills, all situated on the outflows of the few sizeable lochans found here. This mill, unique amongst those that I observed, still has some water running through it - all others appear to have had the channels blocked off at some point. It should be noted that most of the usable arable land is/was on the other side of the island. The mills have been located on this northwest side of the island presumably to be close to the supplies of water.
Ruined mill complete with stream
This side of the island has many disused mills, all situated on the outflows of the few sizeable lochans found here. This mill, unique amongst those that I observed, still has some water running through it - all others appear to have had the channels blocked off at some point. It should be noted that most of the usable arable land is/was on the other side of the island. The mills have been located on this northwest side of the island presumably to be close to the supplies of water.
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Bottomless Geo is located at Grid Ref: HU1862 (Lat: 60.341697, Lng: -1.671962)

Unitary Authority: Shetland Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///restores.sneezing.supported. Near Walls, Shetland Islands

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Koda Skerry Willie's Taing Doun Hellier Bottomless Geo Tang Geo

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